Commissioner accuses staff of attacking him

Commissioner Berger said county staff is working to attack him.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – New Hanover County Commissioner
Brian Berger left his checkbook at home Monday night. Instead he ended the
board's October 1 meeting with comments to county staff for its recent work on
his expenses.

Berger called the $477.16 amount owed to the county an
example of ‘government math in action.' He continued, saying it is
inappropriate for staff to devote time to an issue so small, especially when he
already agreed to pay. Berger told WECT.com that he would bring the money to
Monday's meeting. After the meeting, he said the money would be paid sometime
later in the week.

The commissioner might not support staff's efforts, but
County Manager Chris Coudriet said the project to collect expense reports and
receipts came from an initial request by Berger himself. Coudriet said such a
task might not be the best use of time, but his office has to complete any
requests from commissioners.

When asked about his comments after the meeting, Berger told
WECT.com that some staff members, while on the job, are working to attack him.
He would not provide specifics, but Berger said there is the appearance of
wrongdoing. Coudriet considered the accusation absurd.

"To suggest that we are creating mischief or digging for
information is incorrect and I think unfair," he said. "There is absolutely
nothing in the public or private record that would suggest that."